Anyone here used beta-blockers?

[Lethalius]

Looking to hear from any bro's who use or have used beta-blockers to combat high blood pressure, etc. If you have used them, what was the drug name and dosage and how did it affect you?

I was supposed to start Toprol-XL (25mg/day) last fall, but did not. I am considering starting it soon. I just don't want to take anything that will make me tired or weaker.

Lethalius

 

[Seth28]

some tolerate it well but beta blockers may cause exercise intolerance and sexual sides. They are not recommended if you have asthma or Diabetes. You may or may not experience those but if your dr wants to put you on then give it a try, if you notice the sides let him know and you can try one of the other classes of HTN meds (ACE inhibitor, calcium channel blocker, diuretic)

 

[Lethalius]

Thanks Seth. Maybe the time to try it out would be before I start my next cycle. I don't want to wreck that - it's about 4-6 wks away.


Lethalius

 

[40butpumpin]

Hey bro, I was on atenolol for a few years and feel there are better med's out there for high bp then beta blockers. IMO the best is Avalide and that's what I take now, and I've tried many. Beta blockers do exactly that, block the Beta 2 receptors of noradrenaline so you have a subdued response to fight or flight situations. As a result, your blood pressure and even heart rate will not respond in the same way. But physically you are just not that same bro, believe me. Also, your libido goes all to hell, mine sure did. You can control your bp, however, with little or no sides. The class of drug that mine is in from what I've read and experienced offers that. Check it out bro, but IMHO you're better off staying clear of beta blockers. hth

 

[embolicintent]

Everything Seth said is right on the money. Beta Blockers are outstanding first line hypertension meds particularly in caucasians. Metroprolol (Toprol) is a very selective Beta 1 blocker with very little Beta 2 effect. Other Beta Blockers have more Beta 2 effect, but not metoprolol except at high doses. 25 mg XL is the lowest starting dose. The only real effect that you will notice is that your heart rate will be slower and you will be likely have less anxiety. Beta blockers are also used to treat anxiety. Anyhow, no worries. I would start it now because you were put on it for a reason i.e. to protect your health. JMHO

 

[Lethalius]

Thank you all for the replies and information. What I will probably do here is give this Toprol at least at 2 week fair trial, and if I have bothersome sides, I will talk to my doctor about other options.

 

[40butpumpin]

Everything Seth said is right on the money. Beta Blockers are outstanding first line hypertension meds particularly in caucasians. Metroprolol (Toprol) is a very selective Beta 1 blocker with very little Beta 2 effect. Other Beta Blockers have more Beta 2 effect, but not metoprolol except at high doses. 25 mg XL is the lowest starting dose. The only real effect that you will notice is that your heart rate will be slower and you will be likely have less anxiety. Beta blockers are also used to treat anxiety. Anyhow, no worries. I would start it now because you were put on it for a reason i.e. to protect your health. JMHO

Have YOU ever used a beta blocker?

 

[ichabodcrane]

There are many effective antihypertensive meds available. Both the B-blockers and ACEI's have proven cardioprotective effects beyond just lowering BP. B-blockers and thiazide diuretics are first line in UNcomplicated HTN. This does not mean they are the only ones to chose from. Several B-blockers come in combination with hydrochlorithiazide in a fixed dose, when combined, work synergestically and allow for lower doses of either one alone and subsequently decreased sides of either alone. B1 selective antagonists may prove more useful in diabetics and people with lung problems because they lack somewhat, the effects on B2 receptors in the periphery and lungs. But all selective B-blockers at high enough doses stimulate B2 receptors. Some people find that exercise intolerance on B-blockers to be a problem, while others will not. I currently take Ziac (bisoprolol+HCTZ) when I go on cycle to help with HTN. It works great for ME, and I have no complaints. One thing to note is that if you take B-blockers for extended periods, due to the persistent receptor blockade, there will be an upregulation in B-receptors, and abrupt discontinuation can result in rebound HTN. This can apply to other antihypertensives as well. But if I were to be on a BP med for life, due to the many positive clinical studies, I would choose either a B-blocker+thiazide, ACEI+thiazide or ARB+thiazide. But this is just my opinion. Also be careful which antihypertensive you choose (you can discuss this with your PCP), because due to the nature of BP regulation, there are compensatory mechanisms that, in time, will try to correct for the decreased BP by whichever mechanism is preceding.

 

[40butpumpin]

Taking a beta blocker short term is VERY different from taking one long term. It cannot even compare in fact.

Also, ichabodcrane, exactly what cardioprotective effects do we require other then normalized blood pressure?

Finally, take a look at your lipid profiles after LT use of beta blockers.

 

[akia]

beta blockers

Hi,

Toprol is I think (look it up) the same as lopressor... which I've been taking for over a decade now with no ill effects... doesn't wilt your weinie either.